Joshua Kissi : From the early stages our website has always reflected on a historical context, and I think in the digital age due to everything happening in such realtime we sometimes forget which moments would be classified as something worth noting. I think this is a topic most guys stray away from, or wouldn’t want to lose their pretense masculinity pondering too much about. Besides receiving quite a few emails daily questioning our grooming techniques we decided to organize a shoot, with a few familiar faces and some new ones. How important is ones hair to their personal expression and style? I feel there’s no need to reiterate the answer to that question after viewing CROWNED.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL EDITORIAL
Experience : Growing up there was the choice of selection between a caesar, corn rows or an afro if you had the courage to endure not only the ridicule but the maintenance of it. If you were doing anything else it would be categorized as ‘experimental’ , or simply an oddball until you appeased and reverted back to a caesar – almost viewed as a safe haven. Please keep in mind this editorial/my words aren’t accentuating the fact that one hair style is better, or preferred than the other but simply promoting the image of diversity visually as these gentleman wear their crowns proudly.
Inspiration : There is no question that the inspiration runs parallel to many of the hair styles that came from individuals like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, ASWAD, BDK. the Native Tongues collective ( A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and Jungle Brothers) and a little bit of everything in between.
The editorial/concept was also inspired by our good friend and artist Joanne Pief’, who has an excellent affinity for providing visual art element to hair like no has seen before. She also heads things behind her own brand Tresse Agoche .
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL EDITORIAL
CROWNED is a portrait series depicting the styles of 12 individuals through the lens of their personal hair style, or in other words their CROWNS.
In Ending : Andre Wagner of Abstract Elements lent his excellent eye to the project by shooting all of the portraits. Thanks to everyone who had anything to do with this project, the other 11 guys, and you all for tuning in.
Enjoy.
posted on February 13 , 2012 :
come on, can you guys get any cooler.
posted on February 13 , 2012 :
Wear kinky hair in all thought of dimensions. Love,
posted on February 13 , 2012 :
Fantastic black and white portraiture. I really like the first gentleman’s hair, possibly a little inspiration from Jean-Michel Basquiat? Nice work!
posted on February 13 , 2012 :
This is what more than style places you, somewhere creating fantastic projects that will stand out through time, with so many blogs and “how to dress” menswear sites this is the reason why I take my time out to come to you guys website.
Excellence!
posted on February 13 , 2012 :
Wow! his editorial is simply incredible.
posted on February 13 , 2012 :
Wow! This editorial is simply incredible.
posted on February 13 , 2012 :
I think this Editorial alone has inspired me to grow my hair past my comfort zone, its been on my mind for quite some time !
Andre Wagner a great nod to you on these images sir!
posted on February 13 , 2012 :
beautiful, refreshing portraits.
just a note to the editor that jmb’s name is misspelled; it’s ‘jean-michel basquiat.’
keep up the good work!
posted on February 13 , 2012 :
Raising the bar !
posted on February 13 , 2012 :
black kings from zion, i only aspire to reach this caliber of creativity
then surpass it
you all are inspiration yo
I’m growing my crown now!
posted on February 13 , 2012 :
This is sooo Ill…
posted on February 14 , 2012 :
This is such a simple and well-executed concept. I’m a sucker for lack and white photography but I’m inspired to sculpt my own crown as well.
posted on February 14 , 2012 :
As an male I’ve always found comfort, with my hair in a shag out afro. Mainly it a reflection of me and my emotions #Free also these my way of giving the “middle finger” to the Corporate and structure World lol but this inspirational work , well done
posted on February 14 , 2012 :
An extended version of this editorial would make for an amazing book.
A big, glossy one I could proudly display on my coffee table, then lasciviously paw the pages of when the guests have all gone.
Just saying.
posted on February 14 , 2012 :
These are simply amazing guys. Even more inspired to grow and perfect my own crown too.
posted on February 14 , 2012 :
@Sadia, I was just thinking the same, would never tire of looking at these beauts.
posted on February 14 , 2012 :
This is a fantastic series! Really well done. Congratulations and continued success!
posted on February 14 , 2012 :
This is officially one of my favorite Editorials posted by Street Etiquette
Despite the fact that I’m a female who loves when men wear dreads or embrace their natural hair
The photography done by Andre is beautiful and the story and concept is amazing.
The way you guys embrace diversity is what keeps me coming back to Read whatever you post up.
posted on February 14 , 2012 :
WOW!!! I LOVE IT!!! HOME RUN MY BROS!!!
posted on February 14 , 2012 :
Emotion is seemingly tampering with my ability to articulate my thoughts about this editorial. It’s…Breathtaking. Unapologetic. Bare. Natural. Beautiful. The power of the images, which capture these individuals unabashedly donning their crowns, is further intensified by drums of Jah Wobble. The marriage between the music and the photos create an aura that is simultaneously somber and awe-inspiring. Credit must be given to Andre Wagner for being that good at crystallizing a moment through use of his camera. Western society has stigmatized “untamed” hair. However, that way of thinking is barbaric and ignorant. The men photo’d in the editorial are human beings who have made no attempts to alter their genetics for the sake of being classified as “civilized.” They are creatives in their own right; persons who shine as bright as their crowns even when others simply see darkness. Schwaza!
posted on February 15 , 2012 :
This was absolutely necessary period. Glad to have been a part of the birthing to this story. 12 beautiful men, who comfortably in today’s black male society of bi-weekly Caesar cuts, regally acknowledge their diversity yet celebrate their kingship together to what grows natural to each owns crown.
Originally when I spoke to Josh about this concept, I saw the importance to highlight black men collectively through hair-especially the black young men that we knew around the movement that were great contributors outside of just on the topical ‘cool-looking’ or trendsetter tip.
<< S/O to Kadeem + Jean of Jersey Klan, who I've been graciously able to watch their hair journey + transformation into such works of beauty- and still looking forward to how they continue to evolve in each of their own hair paths >
Anyhow, more importantly, this was a way to shed light on the idea of an alternative. To show how beautiful just doing YOU could be. To rethink certain ways that we yearn to assimilate.
I also met Andre for the first time and cheers to you hun – beautiful job in capturing the light of this gathering. And to everyone that took part, shine on. Thank you Street Etiquette for bringing this whole vision to life <3
posted on February 15 , 2012 :
Another S/O to Brzé ( http://brzesight.com/ ) for that Floral piece on Mr. Jesse Boykins III #Spicyyy
posted on February 15 , 2012 :
DOPE! DOPE!! DOPE!!!
posted on February 15 , 2012 :
Exquisite. I cannot tell you how inspiring this has been for me since I’ve embarked on my own journey into the unknown with my hair.
posted on February 16 , 2012 :
Simple & cool! Not a fan of dreads but I like this.
posted on February 16 , 2012 :
[...] [Kissi] #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } [...]
posted on February 16 , 2012 :
A–freaking-mazing. I can’t stop adoring.
posted on February 16 , 2012 :
Wear kinky hair in all thoughts of dimensions..
- Wanna Jean pour http://www.prettyradicaldude.com/
posted on February 19 , 2012 :
Nice one S.E! Respect to the individuals featured in the series, Walking tall! – not being contained, living life in as full or free a way as possible. Others were told NO! By their schools, by society, by the corporate world and they folded. The crowned series should inspire brothers to never forget what they rightfully are – Aires To The Throne! See even if one shaves their head bald, its still about the mindset! Stand Tall brothers & sisters.
Ay Mr. Kissi: “your hair look like birdnest” lol!
posted on February 21 , 2012 :
Simply amazing putting your brand on another level – so relevant to today’s time and culture.
posted on February 21 , 2012 :
I’m out of Brazil and this editorial makes so much sense to me right now want to thank Travis, Joshua and all of the amazing people featured for bringing to light a perspective I haven’t seen before. VIVA CROWNED!
posted on February 25 , 2012 :
Much Respect…
posted on February 29 , 2012 :
@cthagod ha, i see why you would say that. check this you need to . http://t.co/Prfm662p enjoy your day.
posted on February 29 , 2012 :
RT @JesseBoykins3rd: @cthagod ha, i see why you would say that. check this you need to . http://t.co/Prfm662p enjoy your day.
posted on March 5 , 2012 :
I am a barber & love to wear my hair natural. I think it is a breath of fresh air to see natural hairstyles on black men. I hope more images like this infiltrate the mainstream so we can have more diversity. Thats whats up!
PEACE
posted on March 6 , 2012 :
You guys are great and so is this editorial. You guys are inspiring and influential to the young fashionable URBAN community, here, in NYC! I wish I was half as fashionable and unique as you guys. Best of Luck!
posted on March 8 , 2012 :
Been rockin my crown for a minute myself, peace brothers and keep the positivity amongst the family through your art, words, and music.
posted on March 15 , 2012 :
Simply beautiful. I especially love Jesse’s mane.
posted on March 16 , 2012 :
[...] to the site, the ”There is no question that the inspiration runs parallel to many of the hair styles that came from individuals like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, ASWAD, BDK. the [...]
posted on March 26 , 2012 :
The Photography is beautiful, music is perfect, the feeling i get from the layout is “quiet but powerful” Every subject is holding their own with the camera, and it seems effortless. Love all the hairstyles and how they represent humanity.
One Love , Turner
posted on April 8 , 2012 :
Hail to SE and sharing your style, vibe and movement with us, from the rest of the world! Hail to the Dreadlock! Although I think the dread is the most poetic, sculptural, life telling story crown, I am afraid I want to break away from all the above positive comment. Black and white, individually technically beautiful: for me less over-styled pictures could have been -way- more story. Maybe I am too far away from the SE vibe..but don’t underestimate the power of just one image or detail, that can be universally understood in a split second.
posted on April 13 , 2012 :
I may be white, and therefore incapable of any of these amazing hairstyles, but thank you so much for this article, it’s really inspired me to invest in a good haircut and hair products.
posted on April 17 , 2012 :
This is an awesome example of appreciating what you are working with….. Very Gracious!
posted on May 15 , 2012 :
Great hairstyles!
posted on May 24 , 2012 :
This made me smile….very hard….Inspiring!
posted on May 25 , 2012 :
There is nothing quite as refreshing as seeing african-american males/females wear their hair with pride! All of the kinks, the curls, and the the coils worn adoringly with love. Celebrate hair that can be sculpted and defined with infinite possibilites, contrary to what the masses may think! It’s beautiful! Let’s continue to embrace our “Art by God” my brotha’s and sistah’s all over the world! Peace to you all!
posted on May 25 , 2012 :
Celebrate infinite possibilites! Why should we try to escape the very beauty that is truly a birthrite!
posted on June 7 , 2012 :
your blog is amazing!
I hope you’ll visit me and follow me if you like
posted on June 14 , 2012 :
I love seeing natural hair in all of its glory!’
<3,
D2G Apparel
posted on July 5 , 2012 :
This is really one of the best designed blogs ever!!
posted on July 22 , 2012 :
JUST, thank you!
posted on August 2 , 2012 :
A well done piece, its very nice to see how other black men keep there hair and respect it. I hope that you guys continue in the direction that you are heading in God Bless.
posted on October 1 , 2012 :
We have promoted your Crowns portrait series just in time for the launch of International Black Hairitage Month a global celebration of Black hair worldwide. Celebrating the UNITY * CULTURE* TRADITION*SUSTAINABLE ECONOMICS through black hair worldwide. Thank you for your artistry!!!!
If you have a video companion to this shoot, pleas submit to our intl Film Festival for 2013 USA film tour. IBHM film Festival Oct 18, 2012 Tricycle Theater, London. Peace-
posted on December 14 , 2012 :
this is nothing short of an amazing series
V.
http://captainofstyle.blogspot.com
posted on March 1 , 2013 :
The portraiture and contrast are fantastic but I can’t help but notice it’s void of women. Was this done intentionally and if so, why? This is a genuine question, not an attack.
posted on March 6 , 2013 :
Hello, i just wanted to say that I love your website and your photography. You said that “if you were doing anything else it would be categorized as ‘experimental’ , or simply an oddball until you appeased and reverted back to a caesar – almost viewed as a safe haven.” I was just wondering if you did something else to express yourself if you can’t or couldn’t do what you wanted to do? Do you think that the creative energy gets converted into something else? What happens if you suppress your feelings or thoughts? If what you want to do doesn’t harm anyone, why is it seen or thought of as wrong? I think the real reason is that people don’t like it when they see someone is enjoying their time on this earth so they make you feel shit about it.
Fiona